DEFENDER Billy Jones has his sights set on a long-term contract with Newport County AFC after an impressive goal-scoring debut.

The left wing-back joined the Exiles on an initial one-month deal last week having been released by Cheltenham Town.

And he didn’t take long to show his worth with a stunning goal inside three minutes of his debut against Morecambe Town on Saturday.

County eventually lost 3-2 after Tom Naylor scored two own goals and gave away the match-winning penalty but Jones’ performance was one bright spot for manager Justin Edinburgh.

Despite the result, Jones was delighted to score with his first touch and he outlined his aim of earning a more permanent contract at Rodney Parade as soon as possible.

“It was a great feeling,” he said of the goal. “I couldn’t believe it because I’ve not scored for a while.

“It’s been a long time coming, as you could tell from the celebration – I didn’t know what to do!

“The position the gaffer wants me to play at left wing-back means you have to bide your time and get into the box at the right time.

“Luckily it fell nicely for me and I hit and thankfully it went in.

“I enjoy getting up and down and that was the first game of the season for me so hopefully when I get a bit more fitness I’ll be able to do that more.

“When I spoke to the gaffer he said to me ‘I can only offer you month-to-month at the minute’ but it’s the same with a lot of jobs - you’ve got to do well to earn a longer contract.

“That is what I’m going to try and do,” he added. “That is the aim and hopefully I can continue to impress.”

County travel to Exeter City next, a club that Jones knows well having played more than 100 games for the Grecians in two spells from 2005 to 2007 and 2010 to 2012.

Edinburgh’s men will be looking for a first away win in League Two and a first maximum haul since August 17 but Jones is optimistic about his new team’s prospects this season.

“Its early doors,” said the experienced 30-year-old, who has also turned out for Leyton Orient, Kidderminster Harriers and Crewe Alexandra in the Football League.

“This is a league where anyone can beat anyone on the day and we’ve just got to stay positive now.

“Everyone is very disappointed but we go again and look to get three points at Exeter. We’re a young squad and we can’t let the disappointment affect us.

“Tom is down but we win together and we lose together. It’s not his fault. Everyone makes mistakes and that’s life.”